How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I heard about it a few years ago, but everything seemed to be very negative. Then I saw Carnie Wilson on TV and she seemed pretty happy with her results. My friend then had the surgery in Nov. 2004 and I started researching it myself in Sept 2004.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I had absolutely no problem whatsoever. I did not have many medical issues associated with obesity other than joint pain and a BMI of 44. My surgery was more preventative to reduce my risk of getting diabetes and high blood pressure.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

I attended a seminar on Jan 2 2005 with my friend. I had my first pre op appt. on Jan 3. He explained to me the risks of the surgery in great detail. He also explained the life style change I would have to go through. He recommended I lose 20 lbs. before the surgery to reduce the fat in my liver. He also suggested to begin eating and exercising now like a post op patient. I took his advice to heart and lost 22 lbs pre op and started focusing on protein and 64 oz of liquid a day. I researched my surgeon on line and also on his hospitals chat group for bariatric patients. I would ask how many surgeries he has performed, what his patients 1-5 year weight loss and maintainence has been. If he has had any mortalities. My doctor was very professional,courteous and informative.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I saw my friend since high school who also struggled with obesity her entire life begin a new healthier life.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I was more comfortable with the lap Roux en y after researching the other choices. I knew going into surgery that open surgery was a possibility because of the scar tissue from my gall bladder surgery.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I was terrified of not waking up from the surgery. I have a 2 and four year old and felt like I was being selfish having this possibly life threatening surgery and leaving them without a mommy. I discussed these fears with my doctor. He made me feel better about my choice and helped me to realize I was making this decision to ultimately extend my life and the quality of it. I think every one goes through the phase of second guessing themselves. For me, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My parents and husband were not for me having the surgery. I told them I had investigated it extensively and I had made my decision. I asked what concerns they had and answered their questions honestly. I told them if I didn't have the surgery I was headed down the path of an early death. Did they not want me to do something for myself that made me healthier? How could they object? My decision had been made and now I just needed their support. By the time my surgery date came around everyone was on board. In hindsight, I would have strongly recommended that they attended the hospital sponsored support group for bariatric patiets and their families to further put them at ease. Since, the surgery they have been extremely supportive because they see the results and the energy I have now.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I am a stay at home mom. My sister came over a few hours a day the first week I was home to help with the kids, but after that I was on my own and did just fine.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I had surgery around 9 am on a Thursday. I was leaving recovery around 5pm and in my room around 5:30. I had a six hour surgery, a little longer than expected. Apparently I have strange anatomy and excessive scar tissue from a previous gall bladder surgery. I was supposed to have lap RNY with 4-5 small incisions. When I woke up in agony, I was told of my weird anatomy and the need for one larger hand insert incision which is about 5 inches long. This incision is the only one that really bothered me. My morphine drip did not relieve my pain at all. I could not have any thing to drink until they did the upper Gi swallow study the next day. The swallow study was pure torture. Having to drink this horrible stuff and roll around on a table a mere 12 hours after having abdominal surgery was very difficult. I could then start drinking water after they had the results of the swallow study. They also gave me chicken broth and sugar free jello, but to be honest I had no appetite for anything. The first two days were horrible, but I would still do it again. I was discharged Sat afternoon. I honestly didn't use anything I packed except my blistex and the change of clothes to go home in. I would recommend packing an elastic waist pair of sweats and slip on sneakers or flip flops. Your stomach is so swollen after the surgery, you leave larger than when you came in. It is difficult to bend over so the slip on shoes are easy. For the woman, bring your favorite brand of tampons or pads because the surgery can bring on your periond as it did for me. Tampons can be difficult to insert because you have to bend over, I'd stick with pads.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I had no real complications to speak of, other than the whole weird anatomy thing and the discovery of the excess scar tissue.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I felt excited and scared to death all at the same time. Certainly do not turn to food for comfort. The more weight you lose before surgery helps your recovery. I started walking to clear my mind and have some time to myself. Talk about your concerns on a support group chat line. There are many concerned people out there for your help.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

By one week post op, I felt pretty much normal if I was just sitting there. I had some incisional pain if I moved a certain way. So pain wise I was okay. As for the food or should I say lack of food I was also fine. I thought I would really miss eating, but the thought of it really kind of made me sick. I ended up being on the liquid diet for 3 weeks because my surgeon went of vacation my 2nd week post op and couldn't see me until the following week to clear me for the next stage of the diet. I had experimented pre op with a few protein drinks to find something I liked so I would not go crazy after my surgery trying to figure out how to make them the right consistancy for myself. Getting in the protein and liquid the first 3 weeks was easy. It was difficult during the pureed stage to eat and get in the 64 oz. of liquid when you had to wait 30 minutes before and after eating before you could drink. it does get easier though. I recommend Hood Carb Countdown yogurt smoothies approved by Atkins. They are 9 oz. of liquid and 13 grams of protein to start to ween off of the protein shakes.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

25 minutes

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I am currently only 3 1/2 months post op. I have lost 70 lbs. since my surgery. I really have not had any intolerances except for the first week to milk, but that has passed. I have eaten chicken, steak, fish with no ill effects. The only thing I vomited on was pork chops, but I believe I did not chew it up well enough and it go stuck in my throat. I just started eating salad, but just a few bites for the crunch. I have eaten cashews, chili, peanut butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese, eggs. I am really on a "normal" diet. I just focus on high protein foods and in small portions. I rarely eat bread or carbs now and no sugar or fried foods. I do use splenda occassionally. You just have to remember to eat slow and chew your food well. I found if I am having meat I have to cut it all up in toddler size bites before I begin eating so I don't take too big of a bite. It will get caught in your throat and you'll feel like you have a ton of bricks on your chest until it passes down or the throw it up.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

The first week I had help about 5 hours a day with my kids (4 & 2). After that I was on my own. I chased them around all day, changed diapers, gave baths etc. I would walk 30 minutes 2x a day with them because at first I could not walk that fast. Now I go by myself because they slow me down having to stop and investigate every stick , leaf or bug they see. I can certainly cover a lot more ground now that a lot of weight is off. The first couple of weeks I could only walk 2 blocks in 30 minutes, now I'm up to 6 blocks. I have a lot more energy and can actually run with my kids.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take a chewable multi vitamin, sublingual B-12, folate and iron pill daily. I have not found a calcium citrate vitamin that I like that is not super expensive yet, so I am still looking.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

At 3 months post op, I noticed hair loss and the texture of my hair is dry. I made sure I got in my protein the first three months, so I just think it is more associated with the trauma of surgery, than the lack of protein. I had more hair loss after the birth of my two children than from this surgery.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The pain the two days after surgery.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

Penn health systems monthly support groups and on line group. It is extremely beneficial to me. I can vent about things and get advice and good recipes.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I have three 1/2 inch scars and one 5 inch scar. They are still pink but are healing nicely.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

none

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Yes. People holding doors for you now and just acting friendlier.